BCCI recommends Mohammed Shami's name for prestigious Arjuna Award: Reports

Indian pacer Mohammed Shami's name has been proposed for the distinguished Arjuna Award this year, with the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) advocating for his nomination, according to PTI.

At 33 years of age, Shami delivered an exceptional performance in the ODI World Cup, contributing significantly to India's runner-up finish. As per PTI, sources from the ministry revealed that the BCCI made a special appeal to the Sports Ministry for Shami's inclusion in the nominations, as his name was initially absent from the list for the nation's second-highest sporting accolade.

During the World Cup, Shami emerged as the top wicket-taker, claiming an impressive 24 wickets in just seven matches. Despite not playing in the initial four games, Shami's entry into the lineup was marked by outstanding performances, securing 24 wickets at an average of merely 5.26.

Shami is also expected to be a part of the Indian squad for the forthcoming two-match Test series against South Africa. The series is set to commence with a boxing day Test starting on December 26 in Centurion, followed by a second match in Cape Town beginning on January 3.

The selection for this year's sports awards, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award and the Arjuna Award, will be decided by a 12-member committee appointed by the ministry.

This panel includes six former international athletes: hockey star Dhanraj Pillay, table tennis veteran Kamlesh Mehta, boxing pro Akhil Kumar, national shooting coach and former shooter Shuma Shirur, ex-cricketer Anjum Chopra, badminton player Tripti Murgunde, and powerlifter Farman Pasha.